Friction shock-absorbing mechanism



June 24 1924.

J. F. ocoNNoR KFRICTION SHOCK ABSORBING MECHANISM Patented June Z4, i924u fJ'OI-IN F. OCONNOR, OLT?v CHCAGO, ILLNOIS, ASSIGNOB, BY ASSIGNMENTS., '.[VO

wfnliranvnn, rnc., A. coaronerron ornnritawean ERECTION SHOCK-ABSORBING MEHANISM.

Application filed January 31) 1923. Serial No. 615,011'.

.To all w from it may concern:

-- Beit lmownth-at L JOHN F. OGoNNon a citizen of the United States. residing at Chicago, in the countyofrCoolr and Sta-te of-Illinoise have invented a certain new and e vuseful Improvement in Friction Shoclr-Ab-.. sorbing Mechanisms', vof which the following is a full, clear; concise, and exact descrip- 'line 3-f3 v of Figure y1.l

a Vdetail perspective of a secondary or auX- tion,' reference being-had to the accompanying drawingsyforming apart of this specifi cation.

. This Vinvention.relates to improvements in Africtionshock absorbing mechanisms.

Oneobject of the'invention 'is' toprovide a y @friction shock absorbing mechanism of thattype'adaptingit to cushion extremely f heavy ShOcks'nnder high speed and,v more. particularly, such a mechanism which is especially adapted forrailway draft riggings.

"-Anotherobject ofthe invention is to provide a mechanism'ofthe .character indicated` i f` a pab le ofjuse wherever heavy/shocks are tobe cushioned, including railway draft rigginga and whereinfare obtained high frictional capacity, combined with. assured release, the arrangement being Vsuch that the high frictional capacity is developed dur-V ing the compression stroke, by 'a system of wedge Vand friction elements having the attributes of valreen angle system. the release and returnf'of the partsv to normal position being'fobftained by the same'system of frictionunits but which has the attributes of a. vblunt releasing anglev wedge "systema dur- Y ing the release action.

A, more specificobject of the invention is- Vto provide a mechanism of the character indicated wherein are employed pressure transmitting means and a plurality of friction shoes.' some of the, latter having faces inclined to the aXisof the mechanism at a U f different angle from some of the others and v that, at theend of the release action, all '--p arts. will be automatically restored-to their y true normal position.

Other objects of the invention will more A.,; clearly appear' from the description and claims-hereinafter following.

In thedrawing forming a art.- of this 'specification` Figurev l is a llongitudinal sectional view of a portionof a railway draft rigging, the. section through the shell and friction .elements therewithin corresponding totwo planes spaced at approximately:120O

.aparta -Figure 21 isla front end elevational view of the shock absorbing ymechanism proper. Figure 3 is a vertical transverse sectional view correspondingv to the section And Figure 4 is iliary wedge element employedin my improvement. In said drawing, 10-10 denote. the usual channel draft sills of a car underframe to -the inner faces of which are secured front stop lugs 11 ,and rear stop lugs 12.' A portion of the draw bar is. indicated itt/13,. the

same being operatively vassociated with the r shock absorbing mechanism-proper by a hoodedcast'yolre 141, within which is disposed said mechanism and frontend rear main`l followers 15 vand 16. yThe yoke and parts therewithin are supported in Aoperative position by a detachable saddle plate 17.

The shock absorbing mechanism proper9 The improvedshoclr absorbing. mechanism proper, as shown, c.omprises,'broadly, a combined friction shell. and spring lcage .casting A.: a spring resistance B; a .pressure` transmitting block C; three friction-shoes 13,1@ and F; an auxiliary wedge element G; spring cap or follower H; and a retainer bolt J.

The casting A is `of substantially cylindrical form throughout itslength, the fric tion shell proper 19 being formed at thel front end of the casting andthe spring cage properv 20. rearwardly thereof. The casting is also provided with an integral rear wall 21 abutting the follower 16. While the friction shell proper 19 is of generally cylindrical form on its interior,Y the same is nevertheless provided with three independent cylindric friction surfaces22-227 symmetrically arranged with respect to the axis ofthe shell and each extending'through an arc of approximately 120. The said three cylindric surfaces 22 are converged inwardlyfy of the shell and preferably in such manner that the three cylindric surfaces, at their innermost ends, will merge to form a circle having a radius equal to the radius employed for each of the surfaces 22. ln actual practice, the taper of each surface 22 will approximate 13g of an inch in 7 inches. ln this manner, I am assured of full surface contact at all times between the cylindric friction surfaces of the shell and the corresponding cylindric outer friction surfaces of the shoes, hereinafter described.

ri`he pressure transmitting member C is preferably in the form of a hollow cast blocl; having a front flat transversely extending bearing face 23 engaged by the front follower 15. On its rear or Vinner side, the member C is formed with three flat faces Z4- 24s, the same being symmetrically a 1ranged with respect to the axis of the shell and extending at a relatively blunt angle with respect to said axis.

The two friction-shoes E and F are of like construction and each is provided on its outer face with a cylindric friction sur face 25 extending through an arc of approximately o and cooperating with one of the corresponding shell surfaces 22. On its innermost side, each shoe E and F is formed with a lateral enlargement 26 having, on its front side, a flat face 27 cooperating with and inclined at the same angle as the corresponding faces 24 of the member C.

The remaining or third friction-shoe D is provided on its out-er side with a cylindric friction surface 25 cooperable with a shell surface 22. On its innermost side nearest the axis of the shell, the shoe D is formed with a lateral enlargement 28, on the front side of which is provided a wedge face 29 extending at a relatively acute angle with respect to the anis of the mechanism.

The auxiliary element G is interposed between the pressure member C and the shoe D. Said element G is provided with a flat face 30 extending` at the same angleas and cooperating` with the third or remaining face 24 of the member C. On its enter side, the element G is provided with a wedge face 31 extending at the same angle as and cooperating with the wedge face 29 of the shoe D. The element G has also an inwardly extending flange or leg 32, which bears upon the front face of the cup-shaped spring cap VH, as clearly shown in Figure l,

Said spring cap or follower H has an annular flange 353 whichq in the normal position of the parts, engages the inner ends of all three shoes D.y E and F. The retainer bolt J is anchored at its inner end within a suitable hollow boss formed integral with the casting and at its front end, within a suitable recess provided in the member C,

runhe operation of the mechanism, assuma buing movement of the draw bar is ing negara-e Vthe inertia of said shoe D and the fact that slippage on the faces 29 and 3l is possible.l During this initial action, the two blunt angle shoes and F will move longitudi nalljfv inwardlyT of the shell substantially in 'son with the member C and the same ll also be truewith respect' to the element G considered in connection with the mem i This action is due to the blunt, relarivelaiioaweclging angle of the cooperating sets of faces 24 ano 27, between the member C and shoes E and F on the one hand:y and the coo aerating set of faces 24 and 30 on the member C and element G on the other hand. ln this manner, it will be observed that not only is the element G advanced longitudinally with respect to the shoe D, hereinbefore explained, but also the two shoes E and F will be simultaneously and correspondingly `longitudinally advanced with respect to the shoe'D. The foregoing described initial action sets up the desired pronounced spreading action.

As the parts continue their movement invcr-:dlgY of the shell, further slippage between the keen angle faces 3l and 279 is substantially` nil, but, due to the taper of the shell surfaes 22, there must be a relative lateral approach of the shoes and this is permitted by the shoes E and F and the element G moving radially inward with respect to the pressure-transmitting member C on the blunt angle faces 2-l of the latter. said faces 24 operating in the manner of safety valves for this purpose, From the preceding description, it will. be seen that after the initial action above described talres place, the element G and shoe D, together constitute what may be considered, for practical purposes, a shoe having the same construction and characteristics as the two shoes E and F, with thisefrception that, instead of the inner end of the shoe D remaining in contact with the spring follower or cap H, as is true of the shoes E and F, the point of Contact between said spring cap H and, what may be termed the composite shoe DNG.. is transferred to Ytbe inner end of the element ln this manner, contact is maintained between the cap H and the shoes F and F tlirough an Varc in excess of and contact is maintained between the element G .and cap H on the opposite side of the axis to that of the center of the combined contact between the shoes E and F and the cap fl.V With this arrangement, the cap H is positively maintained perpendicular to the axis of the mechanism, and is positively prevented from tilting, notwithllU Cle" 11eA 'Megaman nl movementof the shoe proper "D onthe o e sanding* are ai' hand nd the tifo shoes" ancl'F on tl ie other and.A While 'thesp g follower or tween the surface 25 tlieifeof and the shell surface :22, this friction acting to the shoe D with giadiially increasii'ig" Yforce during `the compression stroke. tion shell, Ybeingof metal, preferably Amalir leable iron, is' ca'p'able'of` a limited amount of radial expansion which takes place Zduring' the compression of the i'nechaiiisin'"but,v

with the degree o'f taper hereiiib'efo're fiefei'red'to, `the' Iexpasibn' does not neutralize the 'taper and therefore; 'the differential' action described is assured.`

Upon removal o'f the 'actuating'g or compressing: force, there is 'an initial releasing action induced by the radial inward contraction ofthe s'he ll. These forces prodiiceav relative approach toward the center line'of t'he mechanism of the th'r'eesh'oesl and element Gr which, in turn, cause the 'pressuretraiisinittinginem'ber C tov be squeezed 'ut from between the shoes E' and'F yand 'elemen't` "G, this` action being'facilitlated by reason v"of the 'blht E"afiiglel,'faces' :Q4-'27 and' 3Q. The contraction of the shell continues until the shellh'as either-resumed 'its nor-y mal condition, or until the contracting forces have lloeeniedii'ed to `point 'wher the stored up energy in the Spring exceeds the longitudinal resistance" to release" the saine'` lThe' initial release -atcti'on''ji'i'stI described,l results in loosening the 'nien'iber' sii'iiici" l'U 'topermitfthe e'ducti of the pressure between the friction'V 'surfacesiof the shoes ancl'theshe'll, 'whereupon-the spring the friction elements and el LAei t G 'outwardly of the shell, At the beg jini; A'of the ciitwa'rdrnoiieinent'last referred 4to'the spring follower or cap 'I-L'iv'illv obvio'u'sljT more the two blunt angle ,shoes and "F" in an oii'mv'ardy direction and, simulti'tneoii'slj)7 therewith, the 'element if and;immediately tli'ereafte'i,'the flange of the spring cabwill eng;` 'gre the inner end also "of the shoe" The outward 'moireinent`iefer're'd 't'o 'continues iiii'til'the meinbfeC' is limited 'against further movement bi" the bolt' H. The "three becoies 'effective' to 'coin' 'ence' moving 'all ofsho'es'will then be forced into their normal' position `and also the element G.

The arranifeinen-t'which' l liavefsho'wn eXcee-diiily vefficient''in operation, lthe .various friction-shoes and other elements of th'e friction vunit may be made in the `form of castings with r'ooris'oq'uen? "economy and all or the pensare fof bfiauffg'gy ragged con:

s abovel describedS never- Tia, aio:

struction,well-adapted to withstand the iin- Inense pressure"encoiintered in aderice of this character. v Y

llVhileI' have herein shown and described what l now Consider the preferred i'iaine'r of cari-'ying out the invention. the saine' meielj7 'illustrative and l contemplate' t changes and modifications that come within the scope l'of the claims appendedv hereto.

l. Iii friction shock absorbing mecha-r nism, the combination with a frictionshell having` interior friction surfaces; of a plurality of friction shoes within and cooperating' with said shell surfaces; 'a spring resistance 4a pressure-transmitting member; and an auxiliary wedge eleme'i'it'interposed between said member and one of 'said shoes, said'me'mber and element and said member and'a'shoe'havin'g cooperating` faces inclined to the axis of the mechanism 'at one anglegl'said 'element and" a different shoe having cooperating 'engaging' faces inclined at a'differe'nt' a'n'gle to the axis of the mechanis'in.

"2. In a friction `shocl' absorbingmechanisinfthe ibinati'on 'with 'a vfriction shell having interior friction surfaces; of a pluralitj7 'of friction-shoes Within and cooperating with said shell surfaces; a springr reralityo'f friction-shoes*withinv and cooperati ing with said shell surfaces; a spring; resist'- anceg' 'a pressuretransmitting niemberg an auxiliary 'wedge element interposed between said member and one Vof said shoes. said member and 'element 'and "said member and a shoe 'having cooperat'ing` faces' inclined Vto the airis'v of 4the mechanism vat one angle, said element and different shoe haring r cooperating' engaging' faces inclined' ata different 'angle to" the axis of the mechanism; and a spring follower inteiqoosed between saidv vresist'a'ince andthe friction unit, said shoe having inclined faces engaged by said member `and said element' having` their inner elncl's'bearing upon said springv follower on opposite'sides of the center "of the follower.'

4L. In a friction shock absorbing mechanis1n, the combination with a friction shell having' interior friction surfaces; of a` plurality of'friction-shoeswithin and cooperati'lifgV74 with s'a'id-sliellf surfaces; A'a spring resist- 4r, Lasarte ance; a pressurre-transmitting member; an auxiliary wedge element interposed between said member and one of said shoes, said member and element and said member and a shoe having cooperating 'faces inclined to the axis of the mechanism at a relatively blunt angle`r said element and a different shoe having cooperating engaging faces irclined ata relatively acute angle; and a spring follower interposed between said resistance and the friction unit, said element and said blunt angle shoe havingtheir inner ends bearing upon said follower.

ln a friction shock absorbing. mechaY nism the combination with a friction. meinber having a plurality of longitudinally extending friction surfaces; of a plurality of friction-shoes; each having a friction surface cooperable with one of said first named friction surfaces; a spring resistance; pressure-transmitting member: and an auxiliary wedge element interposed between said pressure member and one of said shoes; said pressure member and element and said pressure member anda shoe having cooperating faces inclined to the axis of the mechanism at one angle, said element and a different shoe having` cooperating engaging faces inclined. at a different angle to the axis of the mechanism,

6. In a friction shock absorbing mecha nism the combination with a friction inember having a plurality of longitudinally extending friction surfaces; of a plurality of friction-shoesq each having a friction surface cooperable with one of said first named friction surfaces; a spring resistance; a pressure-transmitting member; and an auxiliary wedge element interposed between said pressure member and one of said shoes, said pressure member and element and said pressure member and a shoe having cooperating engaging faces inclined to the axis of the mechanism at a relatively blunt releasing angle, said element and an opposed shoe having cooperating engaging faces inclined at a keen wedging angle to the aXis of the mechanism,

7. In a friction shock absorbing mechanism, the combination with. a friction member having a plurality of longitudinally extending friction surfaces; of a plurality of friction-shoes, each having a friction surface cooperable with one of said first named friction surfaces; a spring resistance; a. pres- .ure-transmitting member; an auxiliary edge element interposed between said pressure member and one of said shoes, said pressure member and element and said pressure member and a shoe having cooperating faces inclined to the axis of the mechanism at one angle, said element and a different shoe having cooperating engaging faces inclined at a different angle to the axis of the mechanism; and a spring follower interposed between said spring resistance and the friction elements, said shoe having engagement with the pressure member and said element having their inner ends bearing onsaid follower on opposite sides of the center line of the mechanism.

8. Yln a friction shock absorbing mechanism; the combination with a fric-tion member having a plurality of longitudinally extending friction surfaces; of a. plurality of friction-shoes, eachhaving a friction surface coopera-ble with one of said iirst named friction surfaces; a spring resistance; a presY .ire-transmitting member; an auxiliary wedge element interposed between said pres-- sure member and one of said shoes`r said pressure member and ele-ment and said pressure member and a. shoe having coopera-ting engaging faces inclined to the axis of the mechanism at a relatively blunt releasing angle, said element and an opposed shoe having cooperating engaging faces inclined at a l/een wedging angle to the axis of the mechanism; and a spring follower interposed between said resistance and the friction elementsa said blunt angle shoe and said element having their inner ends bearing on said follower on opposite sides of the center line of the mechanism,

9. ln a friction shock absorbing `mechanism, the combination with a friction shell having a plurality of independent interior cylindric friction surfaces converged inwardly of the shell; of a plurality of friction-shoes each having an outer cylindric friction surface cooperating with a shell friction surface; a spring resistance; a pressure transmitting member; and an auxiliary wedge element interposed between said member and one of said shoes, said pressure member and element and said pressure member and a shoe having cooperating engaging faces inclined to the axis of the mechanism at one angle.; said element and an opposed shoe having coopera-ting engaging faces inclined at a different angle to Ithe axis of the mechanism.

10. In a. friction shock absorbing mechanism; the combination with a friction shell having a plurality of independent interior cylindric friction surfaces converged inwardly of the shell; of a plurality of friction-shoes each having an Vouter cylindric friction surface cooperating with a shell friction surface; a springvresistance; a pressure-transmitting member; and an auxiliary wedge element interposed between said member and one of said shoes, said pressure member and element and said pressure member and a shoe having cooperating engaging faces inclined at a relatively blunt releasing angle with respect to the axis of the shell. said element and an opposed shoe having cooperating engaging wedge faces inclined at an acute angle to the axis of the shell.

llO

il. In a friction shock absorbing mechanisin, the combination with a friction shell having three interior, independent, cylindric friction surfaces7 converged inwardly of the shell; of a spring resistance; three fricticnshoes each having an outer cylindric friction surface cooperable with a shell surface, one of said Slices having an inner wedge face inclined at a relatively acute angle to the axis of the shell and the remaining shoes having faces inclined at a relatively blunt angle to the aXis of ithe shell; a spring follower interposed between the resistance and the inner ends of said slices and normally engaging all three shoes; a pressure-transmitting ineinber having three inwardly coiiverged faces inclined at a relatively blunt releasing angle to the axis of the mechanism and two of which engage the inclined faces of the blunt angle shoes; and an auxiliary wedge element interposed between the keen angle shoe and said pressure transmitting nieinber and having corresponding inclined faces cooperable with the faces of said shoe and member, said element having an inward extension bearing upon said spring follower.

ln witness that l claim the foregoing l have hereunto subscribedniy naine this 25th day of January 1923.

JOHN F. UCGNNUR. Witnesses FRANCES SAVAGE, HARRIETTE M. BEAMER. 

